Looking to buy a new LR3

[naiku]

In browsing for a larger SUV my wife and I came across the Land Rover LR3. She instantly fell in love with it, and so I am trying to learn as much as possible about how reliable they are, running costs etc. From my research so far they appear to be pretty solid as far as reliability (despite most people telling you to run away), with the biggest, and typically most expensive problem being suspension related issues, air suspension components, tie rod ends, control arms. In more than one thread I have read though, it would appear that despite any problems the LR3 has never failed to actually get you home.

So, other than the suspension, are there any other expensive repairs? I know there are also odd electrical problems, and fuel injectors that need cleaning, is there anything else to really worry about with them? I had read that the MPG can be pretty horrendous, but comparing results on fuelly.com to our current Murano, the average of all fill ups is actually slightly better. Not sure if the LR3 takes premium, but we already fill the Murano with premium anyway, so it makes no real difference. Another question, how are typical running costs? oil, gas, tires etc.

Along with the reliability, how are they to DIY on? I typically like to do as much as I can myself on any of our vehicles, and would kind of hate to have one that needed to be taken to a shop for any work that needed to be done. We are looking more towards 2007-2008 models, as reading online it appears as well that by those years most of the earlier issues had been ironed out, but we may end up in a 2006 depending on budget and what is in our area.

Thanks.

(sorry for the duplicate post, my power went out last night and the post did not show up until I entered this one earlier today, and saw the message about mods needing to approve the post).

 

[Houm_WA]

I'd listen to the people that are telling you to run away.

Unless you want to own a Land Rover because you want to take advantage of ALL its capabilities, then you may want something else. It's a high maintenance vehicle. Doesn't mean it "breaks down" but just means it requires plenty of care and feeding and most of it cannot be done in your driveway or typical suburban garage.

Differentials have also had issues, so if you drive one listen for a roaring sound when you apply throttle.

Thing is...the LR3 isn't just a "large SUV." There are better people-haulers out there that have lower operating costs and more luxury. The LR3 shines off-road, and if you aren't going to take it off-road, why put up with the higher maintenance?

Get an Escalade!

 

[naiku]

Get an Escalade!

I would rather walk. I cannot think of a single thing on an Escalade that I find appealing.

We would not just be using it for people hauling (if that was it, we would get a minivan) but it will be used off road, albeit not rock crawling off road type of stuff, carrying bikes, dogs, towing, etc. So, while it's basic use will be pretty mundane stuff, we also want something that can handle pretty much anything we throw at it. In the past we have typically had a combination of a truck + car, it will be nice to have something that is fully capable.

 

[goinsurfin]

If you are realistic about the fact that a LR is not a honda, then you are set and will love it. My LR3 is up to 115K and I too like others with higher miles have experienced the points that you listed earlier. Currently, I'm running mine as a kid transporter and heavy on the short commute routes. i'd like to get better mpg but that's not happening. I'll get it out onto trails approx. once a month, pack the cargo area with gear, beach stuff, and bikes/surfboards/boxes on the roof. It looks like sanford and sons pickup...

Again just be realistic with the required maintenance- yes, you can do the oil, brakes, and other random work yourself to save money... Last point, find one with detailed service history (like mine) and if it doesn't have it, spend $100 and get it inspected by a LR mechanic so you know what you'll need to do up front or decide to pass. the LR3 is a great ride and i have no plans to replace it, unless i go into a LR4/5/new defender.... My kids (6 and 4 yrs) want to drive it when they are older....


Good luck!

 

[Houm_WA]

naiku....with that further info, I say go for it!

 

[PaulLR3]

naiku, we like our LR3 so much that we replaced our Audi allroad with an LR4. But as noted, if not going offroad, then get a less capable, lower maintenance SUV like a Honda Pilot or Acura MDX.

We take our LR3 (& LR4) onto a nearby beach and on frequent ski trips in deep snow. It goes through anything. It can haul lots of building supplies with all the seats folded flat. Or it can comfortably transport adults in the third row seats. No other mid-size SUV has third row space like an LR3. And it does it without sagging due to the self-leveling air suspension. If you are an active family, it will transport you and all your gear in comfort.

I would never call this vehicle unreliable. But it is expensive to maintain. We just spent $3K to replace the front hubs and many suspension parts at 65K miles. It will go through a set of brakes and tires every 35K miles. (or less depending on how you use it) Small things like the tailgate latch and hood alarm sensor will fail.

For us, having this capable vehicle is worth it. You just need to decide if it works for your family and budget.

 

[naiku]

If you are realistic about the fact that a LR is not a honda, then you are set and will love it.

Not expecting Honda reliability, but also not expecting it to require monthly expensive repairs. I understand it's a pretty complex vehicle, and so there will likely be things that go wrong and cost a lot to fix. As long as it's not a regular occurence, then as a trade off for how capable the LR3 appears to be it's worth it to me.

I would never call this vehicle unreliable. But it is expensive to maintain. We just spent $3K to replace the front hubs and many suspension parts at 65K miles. It will go through a set of brakes and tires every 35K miles. (or less depending on how you use it) Small things like the tailgate latch and hood alarm sensor will fail.

Was the $3k parts only? or parts and labor? Depending on how many miles are on a vehicle we potentially pick up, I will also likely be looking into extended warranties (was reading the sticky last night).

A lot of the reasons you list for why you like the LR3 & LR4 are things we would be doing. Our other car is also an Audi wagon, but an A4.

Thanks for all the replies, I appreciate it.

 

[PaulLR3]

My bad - the $3K was parts and labor. I recall the new front hubs (worn wheel bearings) being the most expensive part of the repair bill.

Hang onto that A4 wagon, they are nearly extinct except for the smallroad. If it's 2005 or newer it will be very reliable long-term. I put 180K miles on a 2006 3.2 6MT A4 avant that required just maintenance. When our kids needed more rear legroom, we replaced it with a used 2004 4.2 allroad since there was no A6 avant available in the US. I can say that our LR3 is far more reliable than my 2002 or 2004 allroad.

If you can stretch your budget, consider a CPO LR4. That would give you a warranty and many upgrades including the more powerful engine, nicer dash and interior, and many little things like no more squeaky door grab handles. Just keep in mind that an LR3 SE=LR4 HSE and LR3 HSE=LR4 HSE LUX. If you want memory seats, better radio and more, go with an LR3 HSE or LR4 HSE LUX.

 

[naiku]

Hang onto that A4 wagon, they are nearly extinct except for the smallroad. If it's 2005 or newer it will be very reliable long-term. I put 180K miles on a 2006 3.2 6MT A4 avant that required just maintenance.

Yes, it's a shame they are disappearing. Mine is a 2006 that I have had for just about 5 years, 150k miles on it and it runs great. I dread the day I have to replace it, especially as there is nothing out there to replace it with. A B8 S4 would be perfect, but no available in the US.

 

[jwest]

No other mid-size SUV has third row space like an LR3. And it does it without sagging due to the self-leveling air suspension. If you are an active family, it will transport you and all your gear in comfort.


It will go through a set of brakes and tires every 35K miles. (or less depending on how you use it)

These statements are not true. Just one example here:

3rd row: easily more comfortable in Mercedes GL and GL had more cargo floor area length x width. Pro/con, the GL seats can fold via electronic switch operation/motor. I like the LR3 design mostly but the way the 3rd row seats open is bad design. Not to mention being required opening to drop the spare tire...

I'm not suggesting a GL is equal off road, but it is equal or better in some other aspects. It has an optional air suspension, diesel engine option, much nicer and more comfortable seats if you opt for the packages. Larger fuel tank + diesel = 650 mile range which is about double what most people get in an lr3/4.

Tire and brakes mileage: I got the first new brakes last year. I have 83,000 miles. Brakes went at least 65,000+
My tires only came off because they were getting older, BFG AT ~70,000 miles.

So, people who run through tires are being cheap in their initial choices and/or driving in an inappropriate way relative to the vehicle.

"You people" (you know who you are) are always on the gas when you can clearly see a red light ahead, launch off the line as if it matters, brakes-gas-brakes-gas, etc.

It's just not surprising some people spend more than 2x what I spend on brakes and tires yet I use better tires and don't install my own brakes.

No, BFG isn't the only long wearing tire. There are others in aggressive AT design, there are some in nice all-around all season design.